Downrigger releases and superlines

[Valv]

I have Cannon releases, but I am having hard time keeping my Powerpro lines (or other superline) from tripping off when I lower to 120ft and below.

I use the maximum strenght possible on the release (5 clicks) but still have no luck.

I really like to use Powerpro since it's much thinner than mono, so I don't get a lot of drag.

What do you guys use ?

[Surface Tension]

Val, the pinch pad style releases are not consistent even with mono.

I like Roemers and Blacks releases because once you set the tension needed to trip them they are the same no matter who sets the line in the release. Twist the braid 4 times and set the loop into the release.

[Northlander]

Ya get rid of the pinch style releases and go to something like a Roemer. I like the pinch pad releases with mono but they suck for superlines. Post this in the Duluth forum where you will get some great advice from guys with way more experience with Power Pro on riggers than me.

[Steve Foss]

Val, thanks for the topic, and Frank, for the Roemer advice. I just ordered four of them. I find my mono abrades enough in the pinch releases that I have to strip it off past the abraded part on all my lines about midday. That ends up being a lot of line over time, and so I expect the Roemers will be easier on my mono and will allow me to switch to braid next season.

[Valv]

Wow I couldn't ask for anything better than Surface Tension, Steve Foss, and Northlander replies.

Thank you guys, I will check the Roemer releases right away. Does Marine gen have them ?

You know I am still waiting for any of you to show up at my boat anytime, right ? KR Marina slip 87, or call me 612 756 0149 we'll set up a trip on the big pond.

[Northlander]

Val, thanks for the topic, and Frank, for the Roemer advice. I just ordered four of them. I find my mono abrades enough in the pinch releases that I have to strip it off past the abraded part on all my lines about midday. That ends up being a lot of line over time, and so I expect the Roemers will be easier on my mono and will allow me to switch to braid next season.

Im guessing if you have to do that all the time you have some bad pads on your releases. I have ran the same mono for 2 seasons now with no issues in my pinch pad releases. Also I see no need for you to go to a superlines inland. Not like you will be fishing 120' or deeper a lot.

Valv MG usually has them but call and ask for Russ or Corey and see if they are still in stock. This time of year they can get low on stuff.

[Surface Tension]

Val, I been meaning to come up and see you, Kathy, and the boat.

Here is a Blacks Release. Simplest to use IMO.

Neither will trip from line slipping out of the release but as you take up slack and load the rod they still can loose tension. If that happens use another twist or make a larks head and put that in the trigger.

[Steve Foss]

I'm guessing if you have to do that all the time you have some bad pads on your releases. I have ran the same mono for 2 seasons now with no issues in my pinch pad releases. Also I see no need for you to go to a superlines inland. Not like you will be fishing 120' or deeper a lot.

I use three different brands of pinch releases. Cannon, Walker and one other I can't recall just now. They all abrade my mono somewhat. Reasons: I spooled up XL instead of XT, I load the rods very heavy with the deepest bends so I can take up the most possible slack on release (that means there's a lot of pinching pressure on the line deep in the releases), and I get a LOT of fish every day!

Yeah, joking a little on the last one, but you see what I'm getting at. Also, running cowbells or dodgers puts a lot more pressure on the line behind the release, so a fella's gotta clip it deeper in the release.

If the Roemers work out as hoped (and if not, I'll try the Blacks), I'll be switching to braid because it lasts longer than mono, no matter whether I'm inland or on L.S. And because, while my plans to get out on L.S. this summer have languished, I'm still planning to hit it as much as I can in seasons to come, and the braid, with the right releases, seems the best all-around option for someone who spends most of his time inland but some of his time in the deeper waters of L.S. off Two Harbors.

Lake Nipigon is also on the menu in future years, if my plans come together, and that's the Holy Grail of laker water.

And, of course, the hooksetting characteristics of no-stretch lines and the feel while fighting the fish are big plusses no matter what the situation.

[Northlander]

XL is for crappies, gills and corks. Get some XT or Big Game on them reels.

[Steve Foss]

XL is for crappies, gills and corks. Get some XT or Big Game on them reels.

Blah, blah, blah. Same old noise.

Likely it'll be braid by this time next year. BTW, my 17 lb Cajun line mono, which is supposed to be VERY tough, abrades as quickly as my XL.

[Jim Almquist]

I have been running 65lb PP and even that will get weak in the knots from the stress of trolling. I was able to break a knot with a quick tug so now every 5th trip its time to cut a couple of inches and retie.

[Steve Foss]

Jim, are you running a mono leader with the PP?

[Jim Almquist]

Steve for the most part they have been right around 6' long. I have been using my leftover spool of 14lb Stren clear. It is what was leftover from filling my winter Laker rods.

[Mike Stark]

hey frank,

so i ordered a couple of black's releases. they had two options to pick from. one was of the picture you posted above and the other was just a clip. i ordered the one you showed above. do you know the difference between them?

[Surface Tension]

Mike, the Blacks without the clip are used for stacking(adding another line/release above the bottom line/release) . You got the right one.

[Mike Stark]

cool. thanks.

[Mike Stark]

tried out blacks releases today. they work great. easy to use and no false releases.

[Surface Tension]

I knew you'd like them.